Assalam-o-Alaikum, 

 

Welcome to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Year End Briefing. 

 

Before I formally begin, I would like to extend season’s greetings to you and your families, and our best wishes for 2025. 

 

The year 2024, was an active year for Pakistan’s diplomacy. Our diplomatic efforts focused on enhancing Pakistan’s international profile and strengthening our relations with countries around the world. 

 

High-level visits exchanged with Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, China, Egypt, Gambia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Qatar, Russia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, the UAE, Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom helped develop important understandings with these countries. 

 

President Asif Ali Zardari visited Turkmenistan to attend the International Forum on “Interrelation of Times and Civilizations – Basis of Peace and Development” held in Ashgabat on 10-11 October 2024. The Prime Minister of Pakistan undertook visits to Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, Iran, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and the UAE.

 

Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar also undertook important visits to Azerbaijan, Belgium, Egypt, Gambia, Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

 

These visits afforded an important opportunity to enhance bilateral relations, promote important political understandings and strengthen trade and investment ties. 

 

Pakistan also hosted a number of high-level dignitaries. Leadership level visits took place from Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mangolia, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. Senior Cabinet Ministers of China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, Germany, Qatar, Russia and the United Kingdom visited Pakistan. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Secretary General CICA and the Secretaries General of SAARC, IMO and the Commonwealth also undertook visits to Pakistan during 2024.

 

This year, we witnessed major transformations and far-reaching developments in our region and around the world. Political changes in Africa, South Asia, Middle East, Europe, and East Asia meant foreign policy adaptations and adjustments by countries around the world including Pakistan.  

 

Despite these developments, Pakistan continued to promote its relations with countries around the world on the basis of equality, mutual interest and mutually beneficial cooperation. We prioritized dialogue and consultations with countries around the globe. 

 

During 2024,  bilateral dialogue mechanisms including Bilateral Political Consultations (BPCs) were held with Belgium (Brussels, 12th December 2024), Belarus (Islamabad, 2nd July 2024), Bosnia-Herzegovina (Islamabad, 14-15 November), Canada (Ottawa, 26 April 2024), Denmark (Islamabad, 11th November 2024), the European Union (Islamabad, 6th March 2024), Estonia (Islamabad, 10 July 2024), France (Islamabad, 11th July 2024), Greece (Athens, 29th May 2024), Hungary (Budapest, 27th May 2024), Latvia (Islamabad, 15th May 2024), Lithuania (Islamabad, 24th  May 2024), Oman (Muscat, 27 August 2024), Serbia (Belgrade, 22 January 2024), Sri Lanka (Islamabad, 30 July 2024), Switzerland (Berne, 24th January 2024), Sweden (Islamabad, 26 June 2024), Türkiye (Islamabad, 12th August 2024) and Turkmenistan (Islamabad, 23rd July 2024).

 

Pakistan continued its policy of robust engagement with its close partners and friends. We reinforced our traditional partnerships with China, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the wider Islamic world. These relationships are based on mutual trust and friendship and characterized by a tradition of robust dialogue and exchange of bilateral visits.

 

This year was marked by the traditional warmth and high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook an official visit to China in June while Premier Li Qian of China visited Pakistan in October. Pakistan and China also held the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue in Beijing in May 2024.

 

During these high level visits and exchanges, the two countries reached extensive consensus on further consolidating and deepening the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership; and promoting practical cooperation in diverse fields with special focus on CPEC. 

 

There was a robust exchange of high-level engagements between Pakistan and the GCC countries. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif undertook four official visits to Saudi Arabia which consolidated our strategic and economic partnership. Important understandings were reached with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in political, security and economic domains and to translate the commitment between Prime Minister of Pakistan and H.R.H.  Prince Mohammed bin Salman to expedite the investment package worth US$ 5 billion. 

 

Trade and investment opportunities also remained a key focus of our bilateral engagements with Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE. Cooperation will be prioritized with these countries in energy, mining and aviation sectors. 

 

Our region remains an important focus of our foreign policy. 

 

In our neighbourhood, the year 2024 started with an unfortunate military exchange with Iran. However, the two countries were successfully able to move forward through robust and active diplomatic engagement and high-level dialogue. With the official visit of late President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi official visit to Pakistan from 22 to 24 April 2024, the two countries developed understandings on political, economic, and security matters. 

 

Afghanistan remained a priority on the agenda of Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach. Trade connectivity and people-to-people contacts were a priority in our engagement with Afghanistan. We have had some incidents on the border with Afghanistan. Pakistan’s major concern of terror hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan remained high on our bilateral agenda. 

 

We remain engaged with Afghan authorities on all issues of priority and would like to enhance cooperation in trade, transit trade, security, and border management. 

 

As a firm adherent of a regional approach to the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan participated in meetings and mechanisms aimed at promoting peace in Afghanistan including in the Moscow Format talks held in Moscow in November and the third quadrilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia. The Ministers reiterated their support for Afghanistan's national sovereignty, political independence, unity, and territorial integrity. 

 

Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, investment, defence and security domains. The First Pakistan-Türkiye-Azerbaijan Trilateral Summit was held in Astana in Kazakhstan in July.

 

During the high-level engagements with Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, important understandings were reached to enhance regional connectivity and cooperation in energy, transport and infrastructure. Our cooperation with these countries in the context of ECO will also continue.

 

We continued to engage with the United States, to promote bilateral understanding. United States remains the largest export market for Pakistani products. The two countries reached substantive understandings on trade, investment, energy, health, education, agriculture, climate change and counter terrorism. 

 

We continued to cooperate and engage with our partners in Europe on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. Our focus was to develop deeper economic collaboration, cooperate to confront climate change and find opportunities in higher education and employment. Important understandings were reached with several European countries on labour migration, sustainable infrastructure projects, technical cooperation in civil aviation and fostering green partnerships.

 

The European Union has lifted a four-year ban imposed on Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), leading to resumption of PIA flights to Europe. Pakistan is also engaged with the non-EU countries for the resumption of flights in the wider region as well.

 

Pakistan’s engagement continued to grow with non-EU countries including Belarus, Norway, Russia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. During the high-level visits and dialogues, substantive understandings were reached on bilateral cooperation in climate change, health, trade and investment, energy, science and technology, education and technical training, 

 

At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held in October in Samoa,  the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister presented Pakistan’s perspectives on key global issues and challenges with focus on climate change, economic development, and strengthening international cooperation within the Commonwealth community. 

 

ECO and SCO remain important regional organizations for Pakistan

 

Pakistan was chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Heads of Government Meeting held this year in October in Islamabad. 

 

In his capacity as the Chair, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over the CHG meeting held from 15 to 16 October 2024 in Islamabad. It was attended by Prime Ministers of Belarus, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic; and the Minister of External Affairs of India and the Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade of Iran. Prime Minister of Mongolia and the Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan also attended as special guests.

 

We also continued to engage with ASEAN countries to promote understanding on regional peace and security and enhance cooperation in diverse fields.  

 

During the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to Pakistan, the two sides agreed to further strengthen Pakistan-Malaysia ties in diverse fields including trade, connectivity, energy, agriculture, halal industry, tourism, cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts.

 

Pakistan’s relations with Africa are seeing a positive trend in terms of bilateral trade and political, parliamentary and security cooperation.

 

Pakistan remained active in multilateral diplomacy in 2024 – both in individual capacity and as member of international groupings. 

 

Pakistan participated in international and regional organizations and groupings including; UN, OIC, NAM, CICA and SCO. Participation of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister in high-level multilateral events offered opportunities to present Pakistan’s viewpoint on important regional and global issues; reaffirm commitment to multilateralism and international law; and underline our desire for enhanced regional connectivity and cooperation.

 

In his address at the UN General Assembly on 27th September, 2024, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and support for the role of the United Nations in fostering global peace, security, and prosperity.

 

We are encouraged with the results of our diplomatic efforts in multilateral settings. Pakistan was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the term 2025-2026, receiving an overwhelming support in the elections held by the UN General Assembly in New York.

 

Pakistan was also elected as the member of International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Board of Governors (BOG) for a two-year term (2024-26) and the Chair of UN disarmament Commission for 2024. 

 

This year Pakistan was a strong proponent of peace in the Middle East and called for an end to the genocide in Gaza and for end to Israeli aggression against countries in the region. We raised our voice at several multilateral platforms to highlight the concerns of the Palestinians, including the United Nations, the OIC, and the D-8.

 

Pakistan welcomed the Advisory Opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the “Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.” Pakistan also participated in the oral public hearing held by ICJ on the case in February 2024. In its submissions to the ICJ, Pakistan reiterated its strong and unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinians and highlighted the illegality of the Israeli occupation.

 

In South Asia, Pakistan continued to pursue a policy of peaceful neighborhood, based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and mutual benefit. 

 

Pakistan advocated constructive engagement and result-oriented dialogue with India to resolve all outstanding issues, including the core dispute of Jammu and Kashmir. It also urged India to take steps to create conducive environment for advancement of peace and dialogue, as India’s retrogressive actions in Indian illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have vitiated the bilateral environment and impeded the prospects for peace and cooperation. 

 

Notwithstanding the difficulties in bilateral relations, the Ceasefire Understanding of 2003, reaffirmed in February 2021, was upheld at the Line of Control in the interest of regional peace. The two sides also renewed the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement for another five years. Visits of thousands of Indian pilgrims to different shrines in Pakistan were also organized under the Bilateral Protocol of 1974.

 

Pakistan also expressed its serious concerns on Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial assassinations on Pakistan’s soil. Details of concrete evidence were made public in January. 

 

Pakistan’s relations with other South Asian countries Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh witnessed positive developments. Pakistan is keen to strengthen the existing multifaceted cooperation with these countries. In this context, the Prime Minister held important meetings with the leaders of Bangladesh, Nepal and the Maldives on the sidelines of important multilateral events and conferences.

 

Throughout the year, Pakistan raised its voice for the people of Kashmir at all relevant bilateral and regional forums. It called for an end to grave human rights violations in IIOJK and for a just resolution of the dispute according to the wishes of Kashmiri people and the relevant UNSC resolutions.

 

Pakistan denounced the Indian authorities’ decision to ban Kashmiri parties and called for release of Kashmiri activists and human rights defenders. 

 

The Jammu and Kashmir dispute was highlighted in bilateral and multilateral forums. The 15th Islamic Summit and the 50th Session of OIC Council of Ministers adopted important communiqués and resolutions, expressing unequivocal support to the Kashmir cause. Three meetings of OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir were held in May, August and September this year.

 

Going forward, Pakistan will continue to make all possible political and diplomatic efforts for the settlement of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions.

 

I thank you.

 

*

 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): My first question is, some voices from the United States, including the designated Advisor to the incoming President, Richard Grenell, in an interview, demanded release of Imran Khan. So, how the Government of Pakistan views such a demand, as there has been a lot of public discussion on it.

 

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Madam there is a situation going on between America, the UK and Pakistan. Federal Ministers are also talking about it and they are being admonished and criticized on social media as well. Do you think this is a right way to deal with this situation?

 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, as Foreign Office is conveying its response on various issues and similarly our Minister of Defence is also responding to the world on different matters like the current situation between America, the UK and Pakistan. Does Pakistan own the responses of the Minister of Defence in this regard? 

 

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Ma’am, has Pakistan Embassy in the US or the Foreign Office established any unofficial contact with Richard Grenell? 

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan has said on multiple occasions that we would like to have positive, constructive relations with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest and non-interference in each other's domestic affairs. And we hope that all officials will contribute to this objective of positive relations between Pakistan and the United States. As for anyone making statements in their individual capacity, we would not like to comment on that. We will continue to engage with officials and public personalities in the United States and discuss with them, issues of mutual interest and mutual concern.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma'am, would you mind confirming if Pakistan carried out air strikes in Afghanistan between 24th and 25th of December? Need your confirmation on that.  Secondly, linked to this, the decision of air strikes, Afghanistan has also protested with our Head of Mission in Afghanistan. Also what level was this decision taken at? Was it decided by the Prime Minister, cabinet or the military?

 

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Can you explain this paradox approach, on one hand, Government of Pakistan is engaging Afghans diplomatically, but on the other side, Pakistan is striking their hideouts in Afghanistan.

 

(Zeeshan Syed, Neo TV): On one hand, Pakistan conducts air strikes in Afghanistan and the statements from the Pakistan sources stated that Khuwarij have been killed but the statement from the Afghan side says that the civilians were killed in these air strikes. To what extent is this true? Secondly, there’s a statement promising retaliation from Afghan Defence Minister.  Has the Foreign Office or the Government of Pakistan approached the Afghan Government yet? 

 

(Ghazala Noureen, Suno TV): Ma’am, keeping in view the situation, are there any backdoor discussions ongoing with the Afghan Interim Government or the TTP?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan is committed to the security of its people. Our security and law enforcement personnel conduct operations in the border areas to protect the people of Pakistan from terror groups, including TTP. These operations are carefully selected and are based on authentic and concrete intelligence. We respect the sovereignty of Afghanistan. We have always prioritized dialogue and cooperation with Afghanistan to confront the terror threat. We hope that Afghanistan will prevent the use of its territory for any terror attacks against Pakistan. We believe that terrorist groups like TTP are a collective threat to regional peace and security. It is therefore important for us to work together to combat the threat posed by TTP. I would like to add here that Pakistan believes in dialogue and diplomacy. We have always prioritized diplomacy in our relations with Afghanistan, despite the presence of terror hideouts and sanctuaries and the consistent threat they pose to Pakistan. We have always opted for diplomacy. Pakistan’s Special Envoy on Afghanistan, Ambassador Sadiq was in Kabul this week, where he held important meetings with the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, Amir Mutaqi, Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, Commerce Minister Nuruddin Azizi and important Afghan businessman. He also called on the Deputy Prime Minister Molvi Abdul Kabir. The focus of his discussions was to enhance Pakistan's relations with Afghanistan, including security, border management, bilateral trade, transit and regional connectivity. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan.

 

(Sumera Khan, Samaa News): Ma’am, Ambassador Sadiq was in Afghanistan when those strikes took place and the hideouts of TTP were targeted. Sirajuddin Haqqani was on top of the list of all the high officials with whom Ambassador Sadiq met. Did he discuss this issue that Pakistan is left with this only option if Afghanistan does not stop TTP and their hideouts remain available in Afghanistan? 

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan and Afghanistan are engaged to discuss all matters, including security, border management and issues related to trade and transit trade. These matters were discussed between the Special Representative on Afghanistan with the Afghan authorities, and we will continue this engagement with Afghanistan.

 

(Abdullah Momand, Dawn News): Ma'am. Could you mention in which area of Afghanistan this operation was conducted and are there any verified reports regarding number of terrorists killed in this operation by Pakistan. Do you have some specific information related to this? It was against the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group or TTP?

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Ma’am, our Charge d’ Affaires was summoned to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Afghanistan. Can you share what type of concerns were conveyed to him by the Afghan authorities regarding this matter?

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, was our Special Envoy Ambassador Sadiq, who is a very experienced diplomat, informed about these attacks in advance or did he not know about these attacks? Reportedly, he was present in Afghanistan when the attacks happened, and apparently it seems like he was not aware of the operation.   

 

Spokesperson: First, I would like you to refer to the statement that I just made. I was clear that Pakistani security and law enforcement personnel conduct operations in the border areas to protect Pakistani people from terrorists. These operations are carefully selected and are based on authentic and concrete intelligence. Secondly, Pakistan has been engaged with Afghanistan over the last few days, and our Special Envoy on Afghanistan, discussed all matters relating to the terror groups, TTP, which have found sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. These matters have been discussed, and we will continue to engage with Afghanistan to resolve any issues that arise. I would like to underline that Pakistan believes in dialogue and diplomacy. We have always prioritized diplomacy in relations with Afghanistan, and we believe that it is critical for both countries to work together to combat this terrorist threat, that is a threat not just for Pakistan, but also for Afghanistan.

 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Has Pakistan conducted the operations in Afghanistan in accordance with international law? Is Pakistan planning to conduct more airstrikes against TTP and other terrorist groups? Moreover, pictures are circulating, showing innocent people especially children allegedly killed in the operations. Has Pakistan killed those children or not? What is Pakistan’s stance on it? 

 

Spokesperson: First of all, I would like to underline not to believe social media reports or the information that comes from terror groups. Secondly, I would like to again underline that Pakistan's counter terrorism operations are carefully selected and are based on authentic and concrete intelligence, and protection of civilians is always a key consideration in any such decision. Thirdly, as I said earlier, Pakistan respects the sovereignty of Afghanistan. We believe that Afghanistan should be able to reclaim its sovereignty and security, and the terror groups that threaten the security of Afghanistan and Pakistan need to be combated by both countries.

 

(Shaukat Piracha, AAJ News): We are actually trying to ascertain the exact information. Madam you are talking in a generalized way that Pakistan security personnel and institutions conduct counter terrorism operation. But we want to know exactly whether in Paktika there was a strike and if the security personnel can respond to it. Since the senior official of this Ministry, who happens to be the Charge ‘d Affaires in Afghanistan, Head of our Mission, was summoned by the Afghan Foreign Ministry, it falls directly in the domain of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. What exactly the Afghan authorities have conveyed to our Head of Mission over there. Two queries precisely, confirmation whether Paktika terror groups were attacked and the Afghanistan’s message to Pakistan.

 

(Muhammad Jaleel, VOA): Since the Taliban took over Kabul in 2021, this is reportedly the third strike by Pakistan against the suspected hideout of the outlawed TTP. And the recent one was conducted at that time when Special Envoy, Muhammad Sadiq, was in Kabul. And as you said earlier, the issue of TTP hideouts was raised with the counterparts in Kabul. What was their response? And it seems that the diplomacy to solve this issue and challenge is not working out. What are your comments, please?

 

Spokesperson: I know there's a lot of interest in this story. We do not wish to feed into media frenzy or get into a commentary with friendly countries through the media. Pakistan believes in diplomacy; we have always prioritized diplomacy. Pakistan has been threatened by terror groups which have hideouts and sanctuaries inside Afghanistan. Over the last two years, there have been hundreds of casualties of Pakistani law enforcement and security personnel because of direct action by terror groups which are based in Afghanistan. Pakistan has continued to exercise patience and engage with Afghanistan to find diplomatic solution to these problems. We have no issues or concerns with the people of Afghanistan. Pakistan has very clear channels of communication with Afghan authorities. We respect the engagement process that takes place between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including the recent meetings between Pakistan’s Special Envoy on Afghanistan and the Afghan officials. With that, I would like to again highlight that Pakistan's priority is to resolve all these matters through dialogue, through diplomacy. We remain engaged with Afghanistan, including over the last two days. Any issues that either side has with regards to border management, trade and transit trade, security and terrorism, these issues remain high on our bilateral agenda.

 

(Mateen Haider, G News): Very strong statements came from the European Union, the United Kingdom and the United States on recent military convictions of 25 civilians. Although you clarified your position but what do you think in the broader context, like will these statements have any negative impact on Pakistan's bilateral relations with the EU, the United Kingdom and the United States? Do you fear that Pakistan’s status with the EU could be affected due to this? And will Pakistan review or take in to consideration these concerns?

 

(Naveed Siddiqui, Business Recorder): Very briefly, ma'am, EU warned Pakistan that it could lose GSP Plus status by 2027.

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan is fully committed to its international human rights obligations. These obligations are international, and Pakistan has continued to implement the international human rights instruments, as per our obligations. We also believe in constructive and productive dialogue. We remain committed to implementing our commitments under the GSP Plus Scheme and the core international conventions. I would like to underline here that Pakistan's relations with the European Union are multifaceted. There are a number of areas of cooperation between Pakistan and the European Union. This is a mutually beneficial relationship. It is not a one agenda relationship. We will continue to work with the European Union to promote this relationship and to move forward. We also have underlined on multiple occasions that Pakistan's constitution, Pakistan's legal system, have the capacity to resolve any issues that arise internally. Pakistani system has the remedy of judicial review by Superior Courts, and it guarantees promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. We will continue to uphold our Constitution and Pakistani law and our obligations under international law.

 

(Afzal Reza, IRNA): Ma'am, my question is regarding the Iran-Pakistan security cooperation. The 11th Special Security Committee of Iran and Pakistan was held last week in Tehran. The Secretary of Interior headed Pakistan delegation. He met with the security officials, the Interior Minister and the Secretary of Interior of Iran. What is the outcome of these talks in Tehran? Can you please elaborate on that?

 

Spokesperson: I would advise you to wait for an advice from the Ministry of Interior on the conversations that Secretary Interior held in Iran. Pakistan remains committed to working with our neighbour Iran to combat terrorism and to ensure peace, security and friendship along our border. And we will continue to fulfill with our friend, Iran, all our mutual agreements. We believe that the appointment of Liaison Officers earlier this year has been a positive development between our two countries and will contribute to enhanced understanding on security and counterterrorism matters.

 

(Aamir Saeed Abbasi, Nuqta News): I have a question regarding Hamida Bano’s repatriation to India. How was Hamida Bano’s repatriation facilitated? What was done by the Foreign Ministry? Reasons for the delay of her repatriation to India? What is the official stance of the Foreign Office or Pakistan regarding policy on addressing the cases of human trafficking and/or the undocumented individuals who cross the borders?

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): Ma’am, my question is similar to Aamir’s question. It's about Mr. Mohammed Fahad, who's in a detention center near Bangalore. He spent almost 18 years in different Indian jails as he had violated Indian laws and cases were framed against him. Now he's been cleared by the Indian High Court i.e. Karnataka High Court, and he's waiting for his repatriation. Any development regarding that?

 

Spokesperson: Okay, let's start with the case of Ms. Hamida Bano. Ms. Hamida Banu was stranded in Karachi for over 20 years. She was brought to Pakistan by human smugglers. She has a family in India. Her case was brought to the notice of the Foreign Ministry through a social worker in Karachi. The Government of Pakistan took urgent steps to reunite Ms. Bano with her family in India, after confirmation of her national status by the Government of India earlier this month. These steps included regularization of her stay in Pakistan, waiving off over stay charges and facilitation of her repatriation through the border. 

 

The case of Mr. Fahad is under discussion between Pakistan and India. We are aware that he has been acquitted by an Indian court. The Government of Pakistan, through our High Commission in India, is in contact with the Indian authorities, and the two sides are discussing with each other the various steps that would lead to his eventual return to Pakistan. Pakistan remains committed to treating humanitarian matters with compassion and empathy, and we hope that India will also take meaningful steps to repatriate stranded Pakistani women and children who are living there in difficult circumstances.

 

(Khalid Mehmood, Express News): Ma’am, is Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar going to the oath taking ceremony of US elect President?

 

Spokesperson: I am not aware of any such plans of the Foreign Minister.

 

(Azaz Syed, Geo News): A responsible functionary of Pakistani Government, Rana Sanaullah has suggested that if the US releases Imran Khan in exchange for the release of Dr. Aafiya Siddiqui, then we might consider the release of Imran Khan? Is there any such suggestion under consideration by the Foreign Ministry? 

Spokesperson: No such proposal is under consideration nor this Ministry aware of any such proposal.

 

(Mateen Haider, G News): Ma'am this year, which is passing, 2024 has been quite disappointing and repressive as far as IIOJK was concerned. There have been no relief. There have been no any significant progress shown by India, neither towards Kashmir or neither towards resumption of dialogue with Pakistan. So what are your hopes in 2025, vis-à-vis India Pakistan dialogue? Will there be any hope? Will there will be any progress? Do you think the change of the administration in Washington will take any initiative towards this particular thing? Thank you. Ma'am.

 

(Raziq Mehmood Bhatti, Daily Kashmir Express): Few days ago, in Poonch sector, Azad Kashmir, Indian soldiers crossed the border and sit in the civilian houses and they escaped to IIOJK after civilian firing. My question is, were the Indian soldiers given permission to enter Azad Kashmir, if not, has any action being taken against border violations? 

 

Spokesperson: Let's not indulge in such speculation. Pakistan remains ready to protect the people of Pakistan and people of Kashmir from Indian attacks and we believe that any violations of the Line of Control are unacceptable. These violations are against international law and the bilateral understanding between the two countries. As far as Pakistan-India relations are concerned, Pakistan has always said that we would like to have peaceful, friendly ties with all countries in the region, including with India. We are ready to engage with India on the basis of mutual respect, mutual interest, and with all important issues on the agenda including the core issue of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. It is important that India takes measures for peace and for creating an environment of peaceful, constructive dialogue between the two countries.

 

(Syed Asif Ali, Din News): Ma’am, regarding Pakistan’s missile programme, the US has imposed sanctions on one government institution and three private institutions. Was this decision taken abruptly by the US or it was taken after long dialogue between Pakistan and the US. Has the US taken this decision in response to alleged human rights violations and trial of civilians in military courts or to increase pressure on Pakistan? 

 

(Zeeshan Yousafzai, Dunya TV): Ma’am. Year 2024 is concluding and the US has imposed sanctions 3 times on Pakistan nuclear programme. Is it the failure of our diplomacy that we have not tackled this challenge effectively, as Pakistan missile programme has been sanctioned 3 times in this year?  

 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Did America threaten Pakistan that it will impose more sanctions?

 

Spokesperson: Okay, first of all, you may have seen our statement on the recent sanctions by the US authorities on Pakistani commercial and one government entity. These measures have been taken by the US authorities unilaterally. These measures were not a result of bilateral discussions or negotiations between the two countries. We believe these unilateral measures are unfounded and irrational. It is important that in taking such measures, the United States shall take into account strategic stability in South Asia. 

 

Thirdly, Pakistan is of the view that Pakistan's strategic and missile programme is defensive in nature. It is not at all directed against the United States or any other country. It is regional in context, it's a modest programme. So we do not understand the logic that this modest programme of a friendly country in South Asia could somehow threaten the security of a superpower. Pakistan will continue to engage with the United States and discuss issues of security of this region, about the threats that Pakistan faces in this region, and the defensive nature of Pakistan’s missile programme.

 

(Adeel Bashir, Roze News): Ma’am on 13 December 2024, India reportedly committed LoC cross border violation and entered Mandla sector. Does Pakistan Foreign Ministry considered this as mere speculation. If such a violation happened, has this matter been taken up to Indian authorities?  

 

Spokesperson: As I said earlier, we should not indulge in social media speculation. Many such reports that you see online are not correct. I will not go into any specific case. That is the domain of the ISPR. They can share with you exact details of when and where a Line of Control violation takes place.

 

(Kiran Butt, The Khorasan Diary): Thank you, Ma'am. Ma'am, a day before yesterday, I know you said many times that we do not comment on people who are making comments on televisions. But this involves relationship between Pakistan and China. So Mushahid Hussain Syed came back from China and in Hamid Mir’s news programme, he specifically said that China is very disappointed in Pakistan, because whatever we have committed to them, we are not able to implement. So what is the latest between Pakistan and China on this security and some trade issues? As we saw that Punjab's Chief Minister visited the country and signed several agreements and attended events that included trade and investment. So what's the take on of MOFA on that?

 

Spokesperson: The visit of the Chief Minister of Punjab took place at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party that invites political leaders from Pakistan to visit China. This is a regular feature of people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China. While she was in China, she held meetings with a number of government officials and discussed possible collaboration between the province of Punjab and the relevant Government departments, especially in trade and investment and climate matters. Details can be obtained from her office. With regards to the relations with China, Pakistan and China have a comprehensive all weather strategic partnership. This relationship is based on mutual trust and confidence. We have several robust channels of communication where we continue to discuss any issue that arises from time to time. I would like to highlight that statements made by individuals who do not hold government office, may be taken under advisement, because they are not privy to the bilateral talks or engagement that is taking place between Pakistan and China through official channels.

 

(Allah Noor, Mashriq TV): Ma’am, did America demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan as demanded by Trump allies many times. Is Pakistan facing pressure from the US for this demand? Federal Minister Khawaja Asif also said the Pakistan has rejected the US pressure to release Imran Khan. Did Pakistan reject it?

 

Spokesperson: Pakistan and the United States continue to discuss all matters that arise and any issues of concern. We believe that diplomacy should be conducted bilaterally and not through the media. This has been our position on our relations, not just with the United States, but with other countries as well. Pakistan will continue to engage with the United States and promote a solid relationship on the basis of bilateral cooperation, mutual respect, mutual interest and non-interference in domestic affairs of each other.

 

(Anwar Abbas, 24 News): Pakistan is a nuclear power but even after 70 days, it is still unable to provide assistance to residents of Kurrum which is 16 km in size. Human rights violation is also there and 50 children have been killed. What are your comments on this situation? 

 

Spokesperson: As you know, we have already spoken about it. This is a domestic matter on which our relevant authorities, the Ministry of Interior, the Government of KP, the Home Department, would be in a better position to share with you the efforts which are being made in this context. Pakistan Foreign Office believes that all issues that pertain to Pakistan's domestic affairs, including issues relating to the Kurram agency, are Pakistan's internal matters, and the Government and people of Pakistan should resolve these matters.

 

(Qurat Ul Ain, Independent Urdu): Has there been a response from the United States about Asif merchant. In the last statement you gave, in that statement, you said that there has been no response, and you are waiting for their reply on the said issue.

 

Spokesperson: There is no update since the last time